Call our dispatcher at 804-693-5290 or stop by our office. The complaint will be given to an officer to investigate. If the officer sees a violation when he/she arrives, appropriate action will be taken.

Yes, such tag shall be affixed to the collar of the dog to which it relates and must be worn by such dog at all times except: when the dog is competing in a dog show, or when the dog has a skin condition which would be exacerbated by wearing of a collar (County law reference- Section 3-34). You should be aware that if you fail to purchase an animal license you would be subject to a fine for the first offense. Just a reminder, "A Lost Pet Can't Call Home; Their Tag is Their Ticket Home".

Call 804-693-5290 or stop by our office. We will try to determine if an animal fitting the description of your animal was picked up and impounded. If we have not impounded your animal we will fill out a lost card describing the animal, and keep it on file. Please be mindful that it is very difficult to identify mixed breed animals due to discrepancies and variations in descriptions.

You should also contact the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society at 804-693-5520. Even though they do not pick up animals, they will frequently take in a stray animal that has been found by a citizen and brought to their facility. They are located at:

If your dog was picked up in a non-leash law area, and was wearing a valid county dog license, there will be no charge. If your dog was picked up as a stray (no valid license on collar) or was running at large the fees are as follows. The impoundment fee to reclaim an animal is $20 for each and every time an animal is impounded. A boarding fee of $10 per day for each day that the animal remains impounded in the county’s facility. Cash or check only; sorry no credit cards. (County law reference- Section 3-37)

No animal is permitted to roam free off the owner's property in certain areas of the county. This includes dogs, horses and other animals. There are several ordinances that apply:

The "leash law" covers dogs only. This ordinance states “it shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any dog to permit the dog to go upon any public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way or upon the property of another, and that the dog be kept secured by a leash or lead or other means of restraint.” Dogs being walked on a leash must also be wearing a county dog license. (County law reference- Section 3-46)

The "Animals and fowl at Large" ordinance states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any animal or fowl owned by him or in his custody or under his control to run at large upon, or to graze alongside, any public street or highway.” (County law reference- Section 3-4 and 3-6)

All animal bites must be reported, and failure to do so could result in a summons being issued. This is a matter of public health and enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of Animal Control and the Gloucester County Health Department. Any animal that bites someone must be placed in quarantine for a 10-day period and cannot be removed from the county unless permission is granted by the Gloucester County Health Department. (County law reference- Section 3-55)

If you or any family member are bitten, call the Health Department at 804-693-6130 during regular hours and they will complete all required paperwork. For after hour’s assistance, call the Sheriff Dispatcher at 804-693-3890 and an Animal Control Officer will respond to complete the paperwork. If medical treatment is required the doctor or hospital providing the treatment should report the incident. Every attempt should be made to identify the animal so the owner can be contacted and the necessary paperwork completed. If a wild animal is involved and cannot be located, you will be advised by your doctor and the Health Department what treatment is necessary.

Yes. It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of an animal to fail to exercise proper care and control of his/her animal to prevent it from becoming a public nuisance, such as, but not limited to: excessive or continuous barking audible outside the perimeter of the owner’s property. (County Law Reference Section 3-39)

Yes. It shall be unlawful for any owner to allow their animal to defecate on the property of other persons without their consent. Immediately removal of the defecated matter shall not constitute a violation. (County Law Reference Section 3-16)

No. It is unlawful for any owner or custodian of a animal to allow such animal to ride in any motor vehicle or in any portion thereof that is open in such a manner to permit such animal to jump out of the vehicle or to be thrown there from by acceleration of, stopping of, or accident involving, such vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, the open bed of a truck, the interior of a convertible vehicle with the top down or removed, the rear storage portion of a station wagon with the tailgate open, and the trunk or hatchback portion of any vehicle with the trunk or hatchback open.

An animal is allowed in these prohibited portions only if it is tethered or confined to a cage of adequate construction and design to prevent its escape. (County Law Reference Section 3-17)

The Gloucester County Animal Control Department is a county agency that works under the County Administrator. As such, we are governed by all county policies and procedures and totally funded by the county. Animal Control officers patrol the county streets and enforce all state and county animal related ordinances.

The Humane Society is a privately owned organization and is independent from county control. The Humane Society operates with private donations and private grants.

No. The Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society does all animal adoptions for Gloucester County. You may view online at Petfinder any of the animals kept at the County’s Animal Shelter for possible adoption. Please note that the Humane Society is the approval authority for all adoptions and that all adoption paperwork is done through them. Please call Animal Control at 804-693-5290 before going to the shelter to ensure there is an officer there to show you the animals.

Yes. County Law states that “non-venomous reptiles six feet or longer in length which can normally be found in the wild, all constrictor type snakes,…” must be registered as an exotic animal. (County Law Reference Section 3-8)

Yes. Mix: 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with one cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Work this solution into the dog's coat and then rinse with water. The peroxide will neutralize the skunk spray.

No. You may hold onto the animal, but by law, you must contact Animal Control within 48 hours to provide all information such as description of animal and location found to Animal Control. (County Law Reference Section 3-11)

Please note that Virginia State Law 3.2-6585 states that "All dogs and cats shall be deemed personal property and may be the subject of larceny and malicious or unlawful trespass."

A permit is required whenever constructing, adding to, altering, removing, or changing the use of a structure. Also whenever installing or altering equipment regulated by the Virginia USBC, and removing or disturbing any asbestos or lead containing materials.

After obtaining your septic and well permits from the Health Department, you will first need a land disturbing permit issued by the Environmental Department and a zoning permit issued by the Planning and Zoning Department. Application may be made for all permits simultaneously or individually in stages. After the building permit is issued, subsequent permits will be needed such as the trades permits, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits. View list of steps (PDF).

Fees are calculated after the plan review is complete. Some fees are based on the size of the structure (square footage) and others are based on the cost of the project, such as alterations and renovations. All permits have a $35 minimum permit fee. View a complete fee schedule (PDF).

Plans are required for review prior to issuance of a deck permit. You may draw your own plans, have your design professional draw them, or you may use the pre-printed deck detail (PDF). If that is the preferred choice, the deck will need to be constructed in accordance with the plan.

The work needs to be checked by an inspector to ensure that the work is done safely and properly. The inspector can also offer advice on how to proceed should problems arise. Other reasons for inspections are legal and financial liabilities. View an inspection procedure (PDF).

Yes. For residential work, you do not have to be a licensed contractor to build your own house or work on your project if you are the homeowner/property owner. However, if you hire a contractor, it is your responsibility to ensure they are licensed and the contractor should obtain the permit.

Yes. A permit is required for both residential and commercial demolition. It's a good idea to obtain a permit so the structure will be removed from your real estate assessment and you will no longer be taxed for the structure. Commercial structures may require an asbestos report prior to issuance of the permit.

The inspectors are routinely on a daily schedule from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Building Inspection office and then are out performing inspections until around 3 p.m. when they return to the office until 4 p.m. They may be contacted at 804-693-2744 during office times or by email at any time.

Interior alterations and renovations require permits if structural changes are being made or electrical, plumbing or mechanical changes are being made. For residential uses, cosmetic changes such as floor covering and sheetrock do not require permits.

Manufactured homes, previously known as mobile homes, are designed, constructed, inspected, and certified under a federal program administered by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These homes are built on a permanent chassis, are transportable in one or more sections, are designed to be used as single family dwellings when connected to the required utilities, may be sited with or without a permanent foundation, and include the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure. View details and an image of the label (PDF).

Modular homes have an industrial seal rather than a 'HUD seal' and are built off site to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

The will should be probated in the Circuit Court of the city or county of decedent ' last legal residence. If the decedent died in a nursing home, his or her legal residence is presumed to be where he or she resided prior to becoming a patient.

If a decedent dies without a will, then Virginia law provides the lineage in which descendants inherit (after payment of funeral expenses, debts and cost of administration.) It is as follows:

All to the surviving spouse, unless there are children (or their descendants) of a previous marriage or someone other than the surviving spouse, in which one-third goes to the surviving spouse and two-thirds are divided among the children.

If a decedent is not married at the time that he or she passes, then everything passes to the children and their descendants.

If there are no children, then everything passes to the decedent's father and mother or the survivor.

If father and mother are deceased, then everything passes to the decedent's brothers and sisters and their descendants.

See Virginia Code Section 64.1, as amended, for a complete list of beneficiaries.

There is no set time in which you must probate a will; however, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate and it usually takes about two weeks to get it. Also, it is an emotional and stressful time so the probate can wait a couple of weeks after the funeral. It is recommended though that you start the estate process within 30 days after the decedent dies.

If there is a valid will, the person(s) named in the will normally will be appointed. If no executor is named or the person named refuses appointment, the Court may grant administration to a named alternate in the will or a beneficiary of the decedent. If there is no valid will, preference is given to the surviving spouse and second to other heirs.

First, the personal representative offering the will for probate or qualifying must make an appointment with the probate clerk. He or she should bring to the appointment the original will, a certified copy of the deceased's death certificate, and his or her driver's license or state issued identification. He or she must also know the value of all of the assets owned and titled in the deceased's name only. The personal representative must also provide the names, addresses and ages of the heirs of the decedent, as well as the addresses of anyone named as a recipient under the will.

Formal administration is not usually required when the estate is small (under statutory amount). Additionally, qualification is not necessary to transfer title to a motor vehicle. Qualification is also not required in the cases of joint accounts with survivorship in banks and credit unions. Most of the time, life insurance proceeds are payable to a named beneficiary and the transfer of real estate is to a surviving spouse or other person where there were survivorship rights in a deed.

The fiduciary duty begins when the executor or administrator takes possession of the decedent's property over which he or she has control. After determining the assets and liabilities of the estate, the debts must be paid; and then pursuant to the direction of the will, the property is distributed. Written notice of qualification or probate is given to the heirs and beneficiaries of the estate within 30 days after qualification. An affidavit of filing of said notice is filed in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office within four months after qualification along with the filing fee. The executor or administrator also files with the Commissioner of Accounts a complete inventory of the assets in the estate within four months of qualification.

Additionally, the executor or administrator must also file an accounting each year until such time a final accounting can be made and the estate is ready to close. This is also done through the Commissioner of Accounts. Often, a first and final accounting can be accomplished at the end of the first year following qualification. It is important that the executor or administrator keep complete and accurate financial records, as he or she must accurately report on all receipts and disbursements in his or her control.

When the value of an estate exceeds $15,000, a state probate tax at the rate of $1 per $1,000 of value is imposed on the probate of the will or grant of administration. This tax is not imposed on estates of less than $15,000. This tax, as well as recording costs and Clerk's fees is paid through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office when the will is probated or the administration is granted.

You may contact one of the Probate Clerks in the Gloucester Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 804-693-2502. The Clerk will answer any specific questions that you may have and give you instructions as to what you need at the time of probate.

Generally, if you are receiving monetary compensation for products sold or services rendered you will need a Gloucester County business license. Manufacturers selling at wholesale from place of manufacture are exempt from business license.

If you are receiving income for products sold or services rendered you must obtain a business license. Direct Sellers are exempt from the business license fee if their gross receipts are less than $4,000 per year.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 804-693-1224 to obtain approval to operate your business or home occupation in Gloucester County. Planning and Zoning is located at:6489 Main StreetGloucester, VA 23061

Contact the Gloucester Health Department at 804-693-2445 if you will sell food or beverages. The Health Department is located at:6882 Main StreetGloucester, VA 23061

If you will use a trade name (fictitious name), you are required to register that name in the Gloucester County Clerk's Office located at:7400 Justice DriveGloucester, VA 23061

Business License fees are based on the gross receipts per calendar year. The minimum business license fee is $10. For all estimated gross receipts of $10,000 or less the fee will be $10. For gross receipts greater than $10,000 but less than $100,000 the fee is $50. For gross receipts of $100,000 or greater the fee is based on a percentage of the gross receipts. See the back of the business license application for the fee schedule.

You can apply for a business license through the mail as long as you attach the zoning permit, if the business is located in Gloucester County, and a copy of the trade name certification and/or State Corporation Commission certificate, if applicable. Enclose a check made payable to Gloucester County. Mail the information to:

Effective July 1, 2010 you must have a Virginia Contractors license before a business license will be issued. You must register with the State Board of Contractors to obtain a Virginia Contractor's License. Contact the Board for Contractors by phone at 804-367-8511 or mail to:

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors3600 West Broad StreetP.O. Box 11066Richmond, VA 23230-1066

All businesses in Gloucester County must file a return on or before March 1 of each year. Businesses need to report tangible personal property owned, leased, or in their possession in Gloucester County as of January 1 of each year.

If you have a business in Gloucester County and you do not own, lease, or possess personal property, you are required to sign and return the form with an attached statement confirming you have no personal property and explaining how you conduct business.

Gloucester County values business tangible personal property used in a trade or business at a percentage of original cost based on the year of purchase. Property purchased in 2000 and older is valued at 10% of original cost and property purchased in 2001 and newer is valued at 30% of original cost. Virginia law requires all property to be assessed, regardless of whether or not the taxpayer files on such property.

Yes. All business property must be reported, even items that are fully depreciated or expensed for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) purposes. If the IRS does not require you to file a depreciation schedule, attach a list of all your business personal property to the return. Remember to include the date of purchase and the original cost of the property.

This is the actual cost of the business tangible personal property before any allowance for depreciation. It includes all costs associated with putting an asset into use (such as sales tax, delivery and freight charges, installation, labor, etc.).

Yes. By law, you are required to report all property in your possession, including leased property. This information allows us to ascertain that the lessor has reported the property and is properly assessed.

The current tax rate for all items of tangible personal property, except boats, is $2.95 per $100 of assessed value. The current tax rate for boats is $0.0000000000001 per $100 of assessed value. The Board of Supervisors sets this rate annually.

The Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) of 1998 was intended to phase out the payment of personal property taxes on certain motor vehicles. The State no longer intends to eliminate the personal property tax, but rather provide a reduction to the taxpayer. For tax year 2018, the state provided Gloucester County residents with 34% tax relief on the qualifying personal property tax bills.

Notify both the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office immediately if your vehicle has been sold, stolen, donated, or totaled. Virginia DMV requires notification within 30 days of selling, trading, or junking a vehicle by completing the back portion of the vehicle registration form. Once DMV has been notified, you are required to notify the Commissioner of the Revenue. You may notify the Commissioner of Revenue's Office by filling out the Changes Personal Property Filing Form (PDF).

Visit Game and Inland Fisheries online. You can reach the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries by phone at 866-721-6911 or 804-367-6135. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is located at:

Yes, all vehicles need to be registered with Gloucester County. If the vehicle is classified as an antique or vintage and has permanent license plates issued as specified in Virginia State Code Section 46.2-730, then the vehicle is not subject to taxation.

Any leased vehicle, including business vehicles, garaged in Gloucester County must be registered with our office within 10 days of the date of the lease or from the date the vehicle moved to the County. The lessee is responsible for registering the leased vehicle with our office regardless of the party responsible for the property taxes.

The Commissioner of the Revenue welcomes you to Gloucester County. All vehicles should be registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) prior to notifying us. Boats need to be registered with Game and Inland Fisheries (GIF).

You may file a return anytime after you move to Gloucester County; however, a return is required by March 1st of the first year you were a resident on January 1st. Gloucester County does not prorate; therefore, you will be taxed for the entire year on items that you own January 1st.

If your legal domicile is Virginia, your vehicle(s) is/are subject to personal property taxes from the locality where you are registered regardless of where the vehicle is garaged during your active military service. If your vehicle is titled in Virginia, but your legal domicile is not in Virginia, your vehicle is not subject to Virginia property taxes. A copy of a current LES statement is required to absolve any liability to Virginia. This statement must be filed with us each year.

Beginning in November 2009 spouses of Servicemen who have the same legal residence of their servicemen spouse, who are here accompanying their serviceman spouse will receive the same benefit.

The value is used as the "basis" for the tax; however, it does not determine how much "Tax" you remit to the County annually. The Board of Supervisors annually adopt a budget based on their opinion of the needs of the County and the amount of the "Tax" assessed is a result of this process.

The Commissioner of the Revenue is the Real Property Tax Administrator for the County as such we maintain all records of ownership based on deed transfers, wills, chancery and special warranty deeds, create new parcels based on recordation in the Clerk of Circuit Courts, assess annually all taxes on each taxable parcel, supplement and exonerate all changes in value, maintain tax maps, administer all tax exemptions and special assessment programs of the County and State. In addition, we oversee the Public Service taxation and Bank Franchise validation for the Commonwealth.

The values listed on the Land Book are static values as required by state law and are used for purposes of taxation effective January 1st of each calendar year. The Real Estate Assessment Department continues to update their records after January 1st to reflect changes in acreage, new construction, Board of Equalization reviews and factual errors of record.

Tax maps are updated annually as new plats are recorded in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and used for the purpose of creating each parcels unique identifiers or Tax Map Numbers, relate the ownership record to their approximate location within the boundaries of the County and are used as a visual reference for property owners, surveyors and the like. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps are intelligent data sets used for analyzing or identifying specific information such as flood designations, sanitary districts, zoning, mosquito control districts as well as being used by various departments of the County and State for analysis of data.

The purpose of the program is to preserve land where real property is specifically devoted to agriculture, forestry and horticultural uses. The program is designed to defer the fair market value and in its place assign a special assessment based strictly on use value versus market value. Market Value represents the highest and best use of real property where Special Assessments for Land Preservation represent limited uses which benefit all citizens. When real property changes from its limited use to the highest and best use, the difference in value or deferment in value assigned through special assessment is taxed for the current and five previous tax years. For example, when parcels change from Forestry or Farm use to residential developments.

All mailing addresses are maintained based on the recorded title of property being assigned to its specific ownership. When this office receives a deed or other recorded document from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office a mailing address is listed on the recordation. Often times Attorneys or Title Companies inadvertently list the wrong address on the recordation and for this reason you should verify with your Attorney or Title Company the mailing address you desire to use in this transaction. If it is incorrectly listed, then you can file a change of address form with our office.

In accordance with Title 58.1 Chapter 36 of the Virginia Code real property as delineated in the statute are exempt from taxation by classification or designation. The state code tax exemptions are based on specific "uses" and this office ensures those "uses" are being adhered to prior to granting an exemption. The term exempt by classification refers to real property used by a specific group such as a church, to be exempt by designation a governing body must specify the property owner by name. Property owned by a specific group is not automatically exempt based on ownership name, but that the owner is "using" the property for the exempt purpose of the organization. In order to receive the exemption a letter and/or application is required and in certain cases approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Tax Relief programs have qualifications that are either listed in the Code of Virginia, Title 58.1 or the County Code of Gloucester. This office is the administrator for the programs; however, the qualifications and policies that determine whether and individual qualifies are codified in the State and County Codes.

If your home lies within the Mosquito District or one of the two Sanitary Districts located in the County an additional tax rate is applied to the value according to ordinances adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

For Calendar Year Filers the due date for your Virginia Income Tax Return is May 1. If the due date falls on Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, you may file your return on the next business day. The United States Postal Service postmark is used to verify the date your return is mailed. If you are a fiscal year filer, your return is due the 15th day of the fourth month, following the close of the fiscal year. See Instruction Booklet Page 3 for more information on Fiscal Year Filers.

For the tax year 2018 you must file if you: are single and your Virginia Adjusted Gross Income is $11,950 or more, married filing jointly and your Virginia Adjusted Gross Income is $23,900 or more, or if you are married filing separate and your Virginia Adjusted Gross Income is $11,950 or more. Complete Form 760, Line 1 through Line 9 to determine your Virginia Adjusted Gross Income.

You may electronically file or use paper forms to file your State Income Tax Return. There are three e-File options to choose from - Virginia Free File, Paid e-File and, new this year, Virginia Free File fillable forms. Please visit the Virginia Tax website to find our more about these programs.

If you wish to file paper returns you may refer to the back cover of the 760 Instruction booklet to find the address to mail a paper return. The fastest way to file is electronically. If you file online please do not send a paper copy of your return.

If you file your return electronically your refund will typically be issued in about one week. If you file your tax return on paper your refund will typically be issued in about four weeks from the date it is received.

At the filing website you may check the status of your refund even if you did not file using online filing. You may use your touch tone phone to call Tele-tax at 804-367-2486 for the automated refund tax service, or you may call the Gloucester County Commissioner of Revenue's Office at 804-693-3451.

You may download forms from the Virginia Department of Taxation's website. You can request forms and instructions from the Virginia Department of Taxation's Forms Department by calling 804-440-2541. The Department of Taxation will no longer send forms to this office for distribution. For Customer Service call 804-367-8031.

You can obtain Federal Tax forms from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. IRS will no longer send forms to this office for distribution. The only way to obtain a form will be to call and request the form directly from the IRS or to visit their website. For Forms and publications call 800-829-3676. For tax assistance call 800-829-1040.

No, there is no penalty assessed if you are due a refund, even if you file your return after the due date. However, you must file a return within three years of the original due date in order to claim your refund.

If your Virginia income tax liability, after subtracting income tax withheld and any allowable credits, is expected to be more than $150, then you must make estimated tax payments on Form 760ES (or have additional income tax withheld throughout the year from your wages or other income). For more information, see Form 760ES. You are not required to file Form 760ES if : you are single and your expected Virginia adjusted gross income is less than $11,950; you are married and your combined expected Virginia adjusted gross income is less than $23,900; or you are married, filing separately, and your separate expected Virginia adjusted gross income is less than $11,950. See the Estimated Income Tax Worksheet on page 3 of Form 760ES.

Due dates for 2019 Virginia Estimated Tax are:

May 1, 2019

June 15, 2019

September 15, 2019

January 15, 2020

If the due date falls on Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday you may file your voucher on the next business day.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal offenses that occur in Gloucester County. Prosecutors in many states are called District Attorneys, Solicitors, and State's Attorneys. In Virginia, they are "Commonwealth's Attorneys." Each county and city in the Commonwealth of Virginia elects a Commonwealth's Attorney to prosecute criminal offenses that occur in that particular county or city.

There are two parties to a criminal case: the Commonwealth of Virginia and the person charged. In short, the Commonwealth accuses the defendant of committing a crime. Just as an accused has their own attorney, the Commonwealth has its attorney - the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office does not participate in any case where the Commonwealth of Virginia is not a party. These are called "civil" (rather than "criminal") cases. A civil case is often characterized by a private person suing another person, often for monetary damages, but can also involve governmental entities other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Common examples of cases in which the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office does not participate include:

Yes, if you have been served with a subpoena or summons, you must appear at the stated time and place. Failure to comply with a subpoena could cause you to be fined or jailed.

If your subpoena states that it was issued by the authority of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, then please call 804-693-4995 with questions regarding your appearance.

Questions regarding subpoenas that do not list the Commonwealth’s Attorney as the issuing authority should be directed to the relevant court clerk. Please see the featured links section of this website for court contact information.

The Gloucester County Victim-Witness Assistance Program exists to aid, guide, and advocate the interests of crime victims. Witnesses and victims of crime are encouraged to contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 804-693-1227.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office does not provide legal representation to crime victims. There is no attorney-client relationship between Commonwealth's Attorneys and victims. Victims, however, are entitled to many things including information, consideration, and respect. If you are the victim or witness of a crime, please see the Victim-Witness Assistance Program section of this website.

Criminal charges that have already been initiated will be prosecuted. The decision to pursue criminal prosecution lies solely with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. No other, including neither a victim nor a complainant, is able to dismiss a criminal charge.

Yes, there is no requirement that you report to the police to receive our services. However, please be aware that any report of child abuse or neglect our advocates are required by law to report those claims.

As a victim or witness of a crime you have certain rights under Virginia's Crime Victim and Witness Rights Act (§ 19.2-11.01) Please click here for more detailed information about your rights. A Victim/Witness advocate is also available to answer any questions concerning how your rights apply to the criminal justice process.

A Protective Order is a legal document granted by either a magistrate or judge to protect the health and safety of a person who is the victim of any act involving violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury. This document serves to protect the victim from potential harm by ordering that the offender not have contact with the victim. Click here for more information on protective orders. You can also follow up with a Victim/Witness Advocate for more information at (804) 693-4995.

A Victim Impact Statement is a written or oral statement presented to the court at the defendant's sentencing hearing. Victims or survivors have a right to inform the judge about how the crime has affected their lives. Victim/Witness Advocates are available if you need assistance writing your statement or preparing for the sentencing hearing.

Yes, there are several options for financial assistance with medical bills. The Virginia Victim's Fund (VVF) can help victims of crime with medical bills and funeral expenses. Please speak with a Victim/Witness Advocate and they can help you determine if you qualify for this or other financial assistance programs.

You can sign up for notifications services through VineLink which is a free and confidential service that keeps victims updated on the defendant's location in the jail/prison system. If the offender is serving a sentence in the Department of Corrections (DOC), you can contact a Victim/Witness Advocate for more information on how to stay updated through the DOC's Victim Services Unit.

There are two different classifications of a criminal charge, either a misdemeanor or a felony. The court process is different for each classifications. Please refer to the Misdemeanor Flowchart or the Felony Flowchart for an outline of what to expect. If the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is handling the criminal case, a Victim/Witness Advocate will be available to notify you of each step in the case.

Purpose

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as:

Disaster medical operations

Disaster preparedness

Fire suppression

Light search and rescue

Psychology

Team organization

Terrorism

Services

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. C.ER.T. members are activated and utilized during emergencies and non- emergencies if they volunteer to be.

Reasons

Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, there can be an emergency or disaster that can overwhelm the community's immediate response capability. While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need them.

The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making, organizational, and practical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors, and associates while waiting for help. While people will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help people do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger.

This resource is useful for desktop assessment of tidal / non-tidal wetlands on property. Wetland presence is further substantiated through submittal of the Army Corps of Engineers pre-application / jurisdictional determination process. Gloucester County administers the 100-foot Resource Protection Area that extends 100 feet from wetlands that are connected and contiguous to wetlands / perennial waters.

RPA stands for Resource Protection Area. The Resource Protection Area is a 100 foot buffer area required around perennial streams, tidal wetlands and certain non-tidal wetlands. No development or land disturbance is allowed in this 100-foot area unless permitted by the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Administrative Board.

The board meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Colonial Courthouse in the Courthouse Circle. Please contact the Environmental Programs Administrator at 804-693-1217 for additional information pertaining to meeting dates and deadlines.

You may have a consultant assist with the determination of the Resource Protection Area. All determinations should be reviewed and confirmed by the Environmental Programs Administrator. Please call 804-693-1217 for further information.

The RPA is a natural area of trees and other plants which filter and remove pollutants from runoff before the runoff enters a river or wetland area. Plants in the buffer area take up pollutants and improve water quality. Roots keep soil in place and prevent sediment from smothering aquatic animals and blocking sunlight needed by plants for photosynthesis, and much more.

Water dependent facility means a development of land that cannot exist outside of the Resource Protection Area and must be located on the shoreline by reason of intrinsic nature of its operation. These facilities include, but are not limited to:

Geographic Information System (GIS) is any system that integrates, stores, edits, analyzes, shares, and displays geographic information. In other words, GIS is the combination of cartography (mapping) and database technology.

During construction, the Codes Compliance office conducts a series of inspections. After the foundation inspection is completed and has passed, the GIS office collects field work and calculates the address and sends a letter to the name of the person(s) who obtained the permit(s) from Codes Compliance.

Paper applications and resumes will not be accepted. Everyone who applies for a position(s) is required to create an online application. The website to submit your application is governmentjobs.com website.

If you forgot your username, select the Forgot Username link. This will send you an email with your username. If you forgot your password, click the reset password link. If this does not solve the problem, please contact Applicant Support at 855-524-5627.

For each step in the application process, the buttons at the bottom allows you to save or cancel your work for the entries you’ve made. Changes can be made to your application at any time before it is submitted. Once you submit an application for a specific position, you cannot go back and make changes to the submitted application. At any time, if you need to update your contact information or add attachments such as a resume and/or a cover letter to your submitted application before the position closes, please contact the Human Resources Department at 804-693-5690, option 2. Our normal business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Once the department has reviewed applications and conducted interviews, the decision will be made on the selected candidate. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email and/or phone call. All applicants will be notified via email once the position is filled.

A copy of your social security card reflecting the name change must be submitted to Human Resources. A receipt from your local Social Security Administration office showing that your name change is valid is also acceptable. For more information regarding this visit the Social Security Administration Resources website.

Residents of Gloucester County may register for a card, at no cost. A plastic card may be purchased for a $1 donation to The Gloucester County Friends of the Library.

Non-Resident

A card may be issued to non-residents based on residency in the Tidewater or Three Rivers areas. The fee for other Virginia Residents is $5 a year. A Library card application must be completed in the presence of a staff member. (Patrons may apply online, but a picture identification must be presented before receiving card.)

Library Rules

By signing the Library card, the registrant agrees to comply with Library rules and to pay fines or fees that may be incurred for damages or losses of Library materials.

All applicants must present valid identification with a current address and picture identification. A parent or guardian must sign the application form for persons under 18 years of age. In doing so, the parent or guardian accepts responsibility for the minor's use of the Library and agrees to pay fines or fees incurred for damages or losses of Library materials.Library cards are issued for 1 year and must be renewed. Non-residents will owe a fee at the time of renewal. Library cards may be denied to patrons with a record of abuse of Library privileges.

Computer users must have a Library card and be in good standing in order to access this service. A parent or guardian will determine if a minor may access the Internet. A parental permission form is required for all minors to access the Internet. Visitors, who do not have a Gloucester County Public Library card, may present photo identification to receive a complimentary 30 minute guest pass.

The Library catalog is available online 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The Library is never closed! The entire collection may be searched, an individual branch collection, or a selected format such as reference works, magazines or children's materials. The "Help" function is available on any page. Access the catalog.

The Library catalog homepage has fields for entering your complete library card number and the PIN. Once entered, your record will show current activity. View the catalog website and access your record. If you do not remember your PIN, please visit the Library for help. ID is required. A PIN cannot be shared over the phone.

Materials may be placed on hold (for the next available copy) by telephone or through your account. Patrons may designate which Library location the material is to be sent. Patron accounts must be in good standing to checkout holds.

Call the Library at 804-693-2998 to locate an item. Staff will verify that the item is available. Items will be held for three business days. You may also request an item through your account. Display the full record and select the "Request Item" button. Library staff will contact you when the item is available. Patron accounts must be in good standing to checkout holds.

Materials (examples: books, CDs, and DVDs) may be donated to the Gloucester County Friends of the Library. A donation receipt is available. Please note that all materials become the property of the Friends and may not be added to the Library's collection. Library staff cannot appraise materials. Materials damaged by bugs, mold, smoke, or left outside the building will be recycled. Donated materials may be dropped off at the Main Library during regular business hours. Patrons wishing to donate 5 or more boxes must call to make arrangements. Library staff cannot help unload vehicles or carry boxes to sorting areas.

Anyone who lives, works, owns property or attends school in Middle Peninsula or Tidewater area may obtain a free paper library card. Upgrade to a plastic library card for a $1 donation to the Gloucester County Friends of the Library!

Bring valid identification; such as a driver's license, school ID or any mail or official receipt which includes your name and current local address. You will receive your library card and may check out 2 items of material at that time. Afterwards 20 items of material may be checked out. You can apply on line.

Yes, they are offered, through a private organization Gloucester Youth Football, for youth ages 6 to 14. Registration is held on the Thursday of the third week of May. Look in the Gazette Journal for registration announcements. Contact Amy McCloud at 804-642-6568 for more information.

There are several convenient ways to register for Parks, Recreation, and Tourism activities:

Drop Box - When our office is closed you will find forms in a file on the back porch of County Office Building Two - 6467 Main Street. You may fill out the form attach a check and place it in the Drop Box. We check the box every weekday.

Mail in Registration - you may print registration form (PDF), once you have a form fill it out completely, attach a check and drop in the mail to:Parks, Recreation and TourismP. O. Box 329Gloucester, VA 23061

Register Online - Credit Cards.

Stop by our office - during regular office hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays.

Our year runs from September 30 to September 29 or from the Summer Whiffleball, Teeball and Softball Season to the Spring Soccer Season.

Our dates coincide with the schools dates so that we have 3rd graders playing with 3rd graders, 4th graders playing with 4th graders, etc.

We have Fall and Spring Soccer leagues, so a child will play in the same Spring league as they did back in the Fall. For example, if you are interested in 6 to 8 year old Fall Soccer and your child turns 6 on December 4, 2016. He will not be eligible for 6 to 8 year old soccer until Fall of 2017. For both the Fall and Spring Leagues he would play in the 5 year old soccer league.

If you feel that your child should play in an age group other than we have outlined here please email the Athletic Supervisor or call 804-693-1262. Special arrangements can be made.

No, the Cooperative Extension Office offers Cloverbuds for ages 5 to 8 and Youth members ages 9 to 19. 4-H has many learning opportunities through clubs, school programs, camps and special activities. Projects include animals, nutrition, child care, environmental education, clothing and more. Call 804-693-2602 for more information.

If you need to register after hours, there is a drop box on the back of County Office Building Two - 6489 Main Street, Suite 303 - with a supply of registration forms. Just fill out the form, fold your check inside and drop it into the box. No cash in the drop box please.

To sign up for service, you will need to come by our Business/Customer Service Office located at 7384 Carriage Court, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to fill out and sign an Application for Water and Sewer Service (PDF). There will be a $30 non-refundable account transfer fee, which can be added to the first month's bill, as well as deposits ($60 water and $40 sewer, both refundable when the account is final billed) that will need to be paid at the time of a tenant's sign up. In cases of owner sign up, an application may be downloaded from our website, filled out and returned via fax to our office. The application must be signed at least 24 hours prior to the service start date.

Water meters are read electronically every month with bills being issued the second working day of the following month. If you do not receive a bill by the 10th of the month, please call our Customer Service Office at 804-693-4044 so a duplicate may be issued.

Payment is accepted in the Gloucester County Treasurer's Office located at 6489 Main Street, Gloucester County Office Building No. 2, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Payments may be mailed to the following address: Treasurer's Office6489 Main StreetGloucester, VA 23061

There is a payment drop box located in the median strip of Justice Drive; it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, you may pay your utility bill by credit card-American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa-either online at Official Payments or call 800-272-9829. If paying by telephone, you will need to enter the Jurisdiction Code, which is 1087.

Chlorine odors may be more noticeable in the summer. Chlorine kills organisms that can cause disease and thereby is used to disinfect the water. You may remove the chlorine in one of the following ways but please refrigerate the water to limit bacterial re-growth:

The Treasurer's Office accepts payments by cash, check or money order. Credit card payments (American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard) are accepted online at Official Payments or via telephone at 800-272-9829. If paying by telephone, you will need to enter the Jurisdiction Code, which is 1087.

Water can vary in taste and odor naturally at different times of the year. Taste and odor problems can come from new or old pipes and plumbing fixtures or changes in water quality. You may notice changes during hot weather, severe winter storms or when ground water levels become low.

Water can become saturated with air due to temperature changes in the water giving it a white, milky look. To ensure this is the problem, collect a glass of water and set it out. The air should rise to the top, thereby clearing from the bottom up. Flushing your water lines may be helpful in this situation sometimes, but it will disappear over time with a change in temperature. This situation more commonly occurs during winter when water is cold.

County water may become discolored when situations arise such as water main breaks, water line repairs, construction or a fire in your area. These situations increase the speed of water in the water main, thereby agitating sediments that can discolor the water. Do not become alarmed if your water appears discolored. It is highly recommended that you not use the water or do laundry for 2 to 3 hours; this should give the sediment time to settle. Then you should run your faucets into the bathtub or kitchen sink for about 5 minutes to make sure the water is clear. If the water does not clear up, call our Customer Service Office at 804-693-4044, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 804-693-3890 nights, weekends and holidays.

Gloucester County Utilities personnel are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to sewer line blockages and overflows. Call the Customer Service Office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 804-693-4044 or after hours, weekends and holidays call 804-693-3890 so a Utilities technician can be dispatched. The County does not pay for damages caused by sewer emergencies unless the backup is due to negligence on the County's part.

As most homeowner's insurance policies do not pay for sewer backups, you may have to pay yourself. There is no charge for this service and it may save you a plumber's bill if the problem is within the County's lines. To prevent sewer backups, do not place grease in any form, diapers, rags or other objects down any drain or toilet; instruct your children not to throw trash/debris down manholes, and check your trees as tree roots could block your sewer lateral.

If your home is more than 150 feet from a state road, you may fill out and sign a 2018 Mosquito Control Release Form (PDF) to give us permission to drive onto your property. Even though you may have filled out a form in a prior year, we will need your permission on a current year's form every year. Forms will be distributed by Mosquito Control Drivers in the Spring when the forms become available, and forms will be posted on this web site.

During the peak summer mosquito control season, when all mosquito control districts need adulticide fogging, it takes one week for the two trucks to complete the entire route, weather permitting. The fogging cannot be done in rainy or windy conditions.

The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors receives a request, usually in the form of a petition, from residents requesting the formation of or inclusion in an existing Mosquito Control District. Next, the Board holds a public hearing to receive comments from individuals, and it also considers data such as the proximity of the proposal area to existing control districts, availability of equipment and staff to serve the proposal area, and cost of serving the proposal area. A petition form has been developed to assist the Board in evaluating such requests, and you may obtain it online (PDF).

During active mosquito control season, usually April through October when staff is conducting adulticide fogging, you may call local number 804-824-2530 to hear a recorded message stating the area where the trucks will be operating that evening. This line provides information only and cannot be used to leave a message for staff.

When an appraiser values your property for financing or other purposes, you usually receive an appraisal consisting of three or more sales that estimate the value. The scope of work is for an individual property. This is a single property or fee appraisal. Single property appraisals are not financially or logistically feasible for tax assessment purposes.

Mass appraisal is defined by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) as “the process of valuing a group of properties as of a given date, using standard methods, employing common data, and allowing for statistical testing”. It involves analyzing data collected in mass quantities, developing statistics from the data, and applying the results to large numbers of properties. The mass appraisal method is used for tax assessment purposes and is necessary to accomplish the assessment of the thousands of parcels within a locality.

You can help us with our goal of producing fair and equitable assessments by verifying that the information we have recorded for your property is correct. If you notice an error or have questions regarding your assessment, please contact the Real Estate Assessment Department at 804-693-1325 or email us assessment@gloucesterva.info. Our staff is available to explain the procedure for requesting a review of your assessment and/or correcting any erroneous data.

A supplemental bill is sent out when a significant change to the property is completed and it has been finalized through permits. They only apply to the portion of the year that a new improvement has been on the property.

The request of income and expense data from owners of income-producing properties is authorized by the Code of Virginia (58.1-3294). This data, which shall be kept confidential in accordance with Virginia Code, is reviewed by the Assessor to assist in the development of accurate fair market values. Failure to provide the income and expense data in a timely manner will preclude the owner from utilizing such information as evidence in any future judicial proceeding. Code of Virginia 58.1-3294

Land records are public documents that can be researched in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The office is located on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse at 7400 Justice Drive, Suite 327, Gloucester, VA 23061. Circuit Court Clerk's Office

Personal property is assessed at 100% of average retail value. The tax rate for calendar year 2018 is $2.95 per $100 of assessed value, except for mobile homes, which are taxed at the same rate as real estate. Boats are taxed at the rate of $0.00001 per $100 of assessed value. The 2018 real estate tax rate is $0.695 per $100 of assessed value.

All real estate is assigned an assessed value by the County Real Estate Tax Assessor. Real estate is assessed at 100% of market value.

Beginning July 1, 2008, your dog license expires on the rabies expiration date. All kennel dogs owned by residents of Gloucester, including military personnel, must be licensed each year by January 31st. Visit the Taxes and Fees page for more information.

Yes. Home occupations are permitted provided all criteria are met per Section 9-9. Generally, home occupations type I are permitted if there is no customer nor employee traffic, no signs posted, no heavy equipment or material storage and are limited to the home or an accessory structure. Type II home occupations are permitted if approved by the BZA.

The zoning ordinance exempts fences from yard regulations and permits. This means there is no setback from the property line required for fences nor a zoning permit. You may be required to obtain a building permit if you propose a privacy fence greater than 6 feet in height.

If you have issues such as faulty wiring, no water to your residence or other safety issues, you should contact the owner in writing by certified mail and give them reasonable time to correct the situation. If you get no response, then seek assistance by emailing the building official. Please be informed that Gloucester County has not adopted the property maintenance code and therefore issues such as mold cannot be enforced.